Iran is one of the clearest examples of where standard insurance often stops. Many insurers will not cover it at all, even when travel still has to happen.
If your work still requires you to go, Conflict Cover can often help where standard insurers say no. This is specialist cover designed for real operating conditions, subject to full disclosure and underwriting.
What's included
Designed for non-combatants working in environments where standard insurance often fails.
Most standard insurers will not cover travel to Iran at all.
That creates a gap for people who still need to travel for legitimate professional, journalistic, humanitarian or research work. Conflict Cover exists to help close that gap.
Country context
The situation
Iran is a difficult operating environment for Western nationals and those with perceived connections to Western governments, media or institutions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) maintains an extensive domestic intelligence apparatus, and arbitrary detention — including of dual nationals and journalists — has been used as a political tool.
For humanitarian, journalistic and academic work, Iran remains accessible in principle but requires careful operational planning. The risk landscape is dominated by surveillance, state control and the potential for arbitrary interference rather than the kind of armed violence seen in conflict zones.
Iran's regional posture — its support for armed proxies across the Middle East and its role in the Israel-Gaza conflict — increases the risk of international escalation affecting operations inside the country. Sanctions also create significant logistical complications around payments, insurance and emergency evacuation.
What to watch
Why it can be challenging
Arbitrary detention of foreign nationals and dual citizens
Iran has detained dual nationals and foreign journalists as political leverage. This risk applies to those with connections to Western governments, media organisations or civil society. Standard insurance does not address detention-related situations.
Surveillance and interference with operations
The IRGC and Intelligence Ministry maintain comprehensive surveillance infrastructure. Communications, movements and contacts are monitored. This can affect operations and create risks for local partners.
Sanctions impeding emergency logistics
International sanctions on Iran complicate insurance, payment processing and emergency logistics. Medical evacuation, financial transactions and communications all require non-standard arrangements.
Escalation risk from regional conflict
Iran's role as a principal actor in regional conflicts — including through Hezbollah, Houthi and Iraqi militia proxies — creates escalation risk. Israeli or US military strikes on Iranian territory would directly affect in-country operations.
Can you get insurance for Iran?
We provide specialist cover for non-combatants travelling to Iran for professional, journalistic, humanitarian, research or operational reasons.
This is not ordinary leisure travel insurance. It is built for situations where the work still needs to happen, even when the insurance market has largely stepped back.
Why this matters in Iran
Iran presents a different challenge to many other destinations. The issue is not just risk on the ground. It is also the fact that many insurers and providers will not engage at all.
That creates a gap for people who still need to travel for legitimate work. Conflict Cover exists to help close that gap for non-combatants who need proper protection and real-world support.
We do not pretend the risks are low. We make it possible to arrange sensible cover anyway.
Practical relevance
Travelling to Iran for legitimate work where standard insurance market has largely withdrawn.
Need for medical care in a difficult operating environment where normal routes to treatment may be limited.
Evacuation where local conditions, airspace or border restrictions make onward movement problematic.
Support for teams or individuals whose operational requirements still necessitate a presence in Iran.
Emergency support
NGS provides 24/7 support. They can assess the situation, help coordinate treatment, support evacuation where required, and manage the case through to a safer outcome.
You are not relying on a policy document alone. You have access to practical support when it matters.
Continuity
Yes. Eligible personal accident benefits can continue after you return to your country of domicile, subject to the policy terms.
That matters because many policies that do exist for difficult regions stop at the border or fail when continuity matters most.
Exclusions
Being clear about exclusions helps buyers know exactly what this policy is for and where separate cover may be needed.
This policy is designed to protect people, not possessions.
Cover not included
Activity exclusions
Property exclusions
These covers can be arranged separately if required.
Threat intelligence
For a deeper understanding of the current situation, including operational risks and regional dynamics, see our threat intelligence hub.
Common questions
Also covered in the region
One of the hardest places in the world to secure meaningful insurance. We provide cover where most insurers decline.
Specialist cover across Pakistan including higher-risk and restricted regions.
Cover for NGOs, journalists and operational teams in a conflict-affected and restricted environment.
Register in minutes to access your quotes, manage policies, and activate cover. Or use the quick quote widget to get an indicative price immediately.
Cover by profession
Already have an account? Sign in
Quick Quote
Fill in the details below and we'll show you the cost. No account needed to see a price.
Couldn't load occupations.